​Travel Sri Lanka in 2019

Sri Lanka has been named the best country in the world to visit in 2019 by Lonely Planet.

Sri Lanka voted by travel influencers as top destination in Asia for 2019. Sri Lanka has all the makings of one of the greatest travel destinations on the planet. Two very distinct rainy seasons on each side of the island - west and east, there's always somewhere that's "in season," meaning Sri Lanka is a 365 days travel destination.

Sun and Beach

Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for beach lovers, palm fringed coastline with sandy beaches surrounds the island country. May it be windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing, scuba diving or just for the perfect tan, Sri Lanka offers it all. The seas off Sri Lanka is filled with coral gardens, exotic fishes and ancient wrecks offers one of the best diving experiences in the world.

The world's largest Blue Whale Colony is just minutes away from southern coast of Sri Lanka, in the north west coast you'll be amazed to see spinning dolphins and whales. The best of the Southern beaches are Bentota, Beruwala, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Tangalla. In east coast the Arugam Bay surfing points, Uppuveli, Nilaveli, Passikuda beaches are all open to the beach lovers from around the world.

Adventure

Snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are the most popular beach sports in the country. Scuba diving has long history in the country. Seas filled with coral gardens, exotic fishes and ancient ship wrecks offers best diving experiences in the world, while surfing too had gained popular in the Southern and Eastern coasts. The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging marine game fishing. Inland water ways, rivers and streams offer white water rafting, kayaking and canoeing experiences.

The mountains, lush green forests, paddy fields, grass lands in Sri Lanka offers many opportunities to hikers and trekkers. With many an adventures packed within few miles of each other Sri Lanka is an adventure itself waiting to happen.

Heritage

Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa; ancient palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone. Anuradhapura is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world the fourth century BC ancient capital was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power in South Asia. Polonnaruwa, boasts irrigation systems that are far superior to those of today and they still provide irrigation water to the farmers.

Sigiriya, the fifth century rock fortress displays some of the most futuristic elements of landscaping and some of the oldest murals recorded in the country.Sri Lanka’s last kingdom Kandy is still holds beautifully carved and built houses, palaces and temple preserved for centuries.

Wildlife

Sri Lanka is among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Of the 91 species of mammals found in Sri Lanka, Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes get the majority of the attention of wildlife enthusiast.

The seas around Sri Lanka is home to large families of blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins. Altogether 26 species of cetaceans rule the waters surrounding the country, making it one of the best locations for whale and dolphin watching.

Sri Lanka is home to nearly 433 bird species, the country has long claimed to have the highest amphibian species density in the world with a high concentration in the Sinharaja rainforest.

Nature

Sri Lanka has 26 protected National Parks, and makes it one of the world's top 5 most most biodiverse countries. The Wilpattu, Yala, Kumana, Minneriya, Bundala, Udawalawe, Gal Oya, Maduru Oya to name a few.

Minneriya National Park is home to one of the world's greatest wildlife sights - the Elephant Gathering. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Yala is more famous leopards also home to elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles.

Scenic

Sri Lanka is endowed with a diverse collection of landscapes, climates and natural features. The central highlands are carpeted with lush green tea plantations interspersed with occasional waterfalls.

The centre of the country, with ruins from several ancient kingdoms, majestic tanks, hidden rock caves, and ancient sacred temples, revealing the fascinating and almost unbelievable ancient architecture, art and engineering.

The country side is home to lush paddy fields, spectacular sunrises, and a quieter more rural pace of life. Colourful places of worship, rivers and lakes offer a warmth experience to any traveler.